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Published : 05 Aug 2024, 02:05 AM
Dhaka Metropolitan Police or DMP has warned it will use the "full force of the law" against vandals and those responsible for violence, following recent attacks on police stations and facilities across the country, including in Dhaka.
DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman issued the warning at a press conference at the DMP Media Centre on Sunday night.
The violence occurred on the first day of a nationwide non-cooperation movement, led by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, demanding the government's resignation.
On this day, 19 police stations and 26 police facilities across various regions were attacked.
The most severe incident took place at Enayetpur Police Station in Sirajganj, where 13 police officers were beaten to death.
In Cumilla, 14 police personnel were killed in Sunday's attack, including one member of the Highway Police.
Over 300 police nationwide were injured in just one day.
During the violence surrounding the quota reform movement and demands for the government's resignation, at least 330 police personnel have been injured and three killed in Dhaka alone.
On Sunday, police stations in Khilgaon, Jatrabari, and Shahbagh in Dhaka were targeted.
Ten police boxes and several police vehicles in the city were also vandalised and set on fire.
Three police officers were injured by gunfire in Dhaka during the violence.
Overall, 11 DMP members, including the deputy commissioner of Wari zone, were injured.
DMP Commissioner Habibur warned there would be no leniency towards those involved in arson, vandalism, and the killing of police officers.
He said: "If necessary, DMP will be forced to use the highest power of the law against these individuals."
He added: “What began as a student movement for quota reform has been hijacked by criminals who have unleashed unprecedented chaos, arson, and vandalism across the country.”
Describing the widespread destruction, Habibur said severe attacks and arson in areas such as Dhanmondi, Science Laboratory, Shahbagh, National Press Club, Banglamotor, Mohammadpur, Kazla, and Uttara in Dhaka.
He detailed the violence, saying: “Armed with local weapons, firearms, crude bombs, and bombs, they have attacked innocent people and police at various locations in the capital.”
The Dhaka Medical College Hospital was also targeted, and attacks occurred at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrates Court in Dhaka.
Commissioner Habibur condemned these actions, asserting that those involved are not students but terrorists and extremists.
He urged respect for the law and called for an end to destructive activities, advising: “During curfew hours, do not leave your homes unless necessary. Legal action will be taken against those who violate the curfew.”
After the violence and casualties on Sunday, a curfew was imposed from 6pm indefinitely.
The 'Long March to Dhaka' called by the protesters has been brought forward to Monday.
Protesters from across the country are set to march towards Dhaka.
The army has urged compliance with the curfew and promised to uphold their duties under the constitution and laws.
